The Art of Zellige: A Legacy in Every Detail

For our limited edition watch, the design find its soul in Zellige—the ancestral Moroccan art of hand-cut mosaic tilework. More than just a pattern, Zellige is a symbol of history, patience, and a deep connection to the earth.

A Thousand-Year Heritage

The origin of Zellige dates back to the 10th century in the Maghreb and Andalusia. It reached its "Golden Age" in the 14th century in the city of Fez, which remains the world’s spiritual and craft center for this art. Originally used to decorate mosques and royal palaces, Zellige represents the perfect marriage between sacred geometry and natural elements.

From Clay to Masterpiece

The creation of authentic Zellige is a slow, rhythmic process that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries:

• The Earth: It begins with natural clay, hand-kneaded and dried under the Moroccan sun.
• The Colors: Each tile is dipped in vibrant, mineral-based glazes—like the deep emerald green that inspired our watch dial.
• The Cut: Master craftsmen (the Maâlems) use a special hammer to cut each piece into precise geometric shapes. No two pieces are ever identical.

Why Zellige for the GAS’elles Watch?

Just as the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles requires precise navigation and resilience, Zellige requires an expert eye and a steady hand.

• The "Green" of Morocco: The vibrant green of our dial is a direct tribute to the traditional glaze of Moroccan architecture, symbolizing life, hope, and the lush landscapes found across the Atlas.
• Reflection & Light: Zellige is famous for its "imperfect" surface that plays with light. We have translated this "shimmer" into the dial of our 101 timepieces, ensuring that each watch reflects light differently, just like the mosaic walls of a Riad.

By wearing this watch, you carry a fragment of Moroccan heritage and a tribute to the craftsmanship that has defined my home country for over a millennium.